Postdoctoral Scholar in Regenerative Therapy and Stem Cell Biology in Cornea Diseases
The University of California, Los Angeles
About this position
Position Overview
Position title: Postdoctoral Scholar in Regenerative Therapy and Stem Cell Biology in Cornea Diseases Salary range: The posted UC salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. See Table 23. The salary range for this position is $69,073 – $82,836.
Application Deadline
Open date: July 30, 2026 Next review date:Friday, Aug 14, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee. Final date: Monday, Aug 31, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.
Position Description
We are seeking talented and self-motivated postdoctoral scholars to join our team in the Cornea Cell Biology Laboratory at the Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles to investigate corneal stem cells and corneal diseases with an emphasis on translational application and therapeutic development. The Cornea Biology Laboratory, under the direction of Sophie Deng, MD, PhD, studies corneal stem cells aiming to develop novel therapies for the treatment of corneal diseases. One research program investigates the microenvironment/niche of human limbal stem cells to elucidate those factors that govern the fate of limbal stem cells and pathophysiology of limbal stem cell deficiency. The role of Wnt signal transduction pathway in human limbal stem/progenitor cells is under investigation and small molecules that modulate Wnt signaling are being investigated to increase the ex vivo expansion of limbal stem cells for transplantation. The second research program investigates the function of extracellular vesicles (exosomes) derived from mesenchymal stem cells in corneal stromal wound healing. The studies also involve characterization and further functional studies of these extracellular vesicles in cell-based assays and in animal models. The Deng research team is currently conducting a Phase I clinical trial (NCT03957954) to investigate the safety and feasibility of cultivated limbal stem cells to treat limbal stem cell deficiency. In parallel, the Deng team is conducting the preclinical studies on developing extracellular vesicles to treat corneal scarring. Both research programs are funded by the National Eye Institute and California Institute For Regenerative Medicine (CIRM). Qualified candidates should have a PhD and/or MD with a strong background in cell biology and molecular biology and demonstrated a record of achievement in research. We are seeking an independent, responsible and motivated individual with excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills (both verbal and written). The successful candidates will conduct research in one of the two research programs and assist with the ongoing phase I clinical trial. Please send a cover letter, CV and names of three references to Dr. Sophie Deng at deng@jsei.ucla.edu and Dr. Sheyla Gonzalez at s.gonzalez@jsei.ucla.edu. Only potential candidates who meet the requirements will be contacted. More information can be found at: https://stemcell.ucla.edu/member-directory/sophie-x-deng-md-phd
Qualifications
Basic qualificationsQualified candidates should have a Ph.D. and/or M.D. with a strong background in cell biology and molecular biology and demonstrated a record of achievement in research.
Application Requirements
Document requirementsCurriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V. Cover Letter Statement of Research (Optional) Reference requirements 3-5 required (contact information only) We will only contact references with your permission. Apply link:https://recruit.apo.ucla.edu/JPF11232 Help contact:aidansmith@mednet.ucla.edu